Sixteen-year-old sprint sensation Gout Gout is quickly making waves in athletics, earning comparisons to Usain Bolt and capturing the attention of global brands like Adidas. However, his manager, James Templeton, urges caution in the wake of Gout’s impressive feats and burgeoning popularity.
Gout’s Rapid Rise in Sprinting
The young Australian athlete turned heads at the Under-20 World Championships in August by setting a 200m record of 20.60 seconds, surpassing a mark set in 2002 by the world’s fastest man. Most recently, Gout clocked a 20.29-second 200m at the All Schools Queensland Championship, the fastest by an Australian in over three decades.
Gout’s outstanding performances haven’t gone unnoticed by major brands. Adidas recently offered him a sponsorship, allowing the Queensland native the opportunity to train with Olympic champion Noah Lyles in the United States. In a conversation with ABC Sport, Templeton revealed that Gout would soon join Lyles’ training group in Florida, overseen by renowned coach Lance Brauman.
“It’ll be a wonderful educational experience,” Templeton said. “Noah is a great guy, and I’m sure he’ll be happy to take Gout under his wing a bit.”
Caution Amidst Growing Fame
Though Gout’s future looks promising, Templeton is careful about managing expectations, urging people to avoid comparing him to Bolt too soon.
“I’ve avoided the ‘UB’ comparison. It’s unfair to a young athlete,” Templeton explained. “For 18 months, we’ve turned down nearly every media request. We want him to focus on school and stay grounded.”
Despite these efforts, Gout’s performances have gone viral, and his name is quickly gaining recognition in the athletic world. This cautious approach is echoed by former sprinter Justin Gatlin, who stresses the importance of easing pressure on young talent.
Records and Olympic Potential
Gout’s achievements include setting national records at a young age, such as his Under-16 100m record of 10.57 seconds and the Under-18 200m record of 20.87 seconds. Templeton acknowledges his star quality, remarking on his smooth stride and rhythm, particularly in the final 50 meters of his races.
“He’s got that special flow and rhythm. Watching him come off the bend is mesmerizing,” Templeton said.
With a personal best of 10.29 seconds in the 100m—close to the 10-second Olympic qualification mark—Gout is well on his way to competing at the highest levels. He is projected to be a strong medal contender for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and will be just 24 years old when the Brisbane 2032 Games arrive.
